Lions' Injury Updates: Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell Return

Dan Campbell provided updates for a pair of key Lions on Wednesday.

Dan Campbell updated the status of Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell and tight end Sam LaPorta Wednesday before the start of training camp practice.

LaPorta is dealing with an ankle injury but will test it out at practice Wednesday. 

The rookie, who has shined since he stepped foot at the team's Allen Park facility, did not finish practice Monday.

Sewell, the team's steady right tackle, entered concussion protocol. On Sunday, Campbell said the earliest the offensive lineman could return was Wednesday.

The Oregon product was indeed cleared and will be at practice. 

For the ex-Hawkeyes tight end, there are elevated expectations about his potential impact in Ben Johnson's offense.

Early in camp, he has established himself, even when given opportunities against the first-team defense.

Despite some rookies at his position needing time to develop, LaPorta may end up exceeding initial expectations.

The tight end position has been hit by the injury bug early in camp. In addition to LaPorta's set-back, Shane Zylstra suffered a knee injury and was waived/injured on Tuesday. The injury is expected to keep him at least out six months. 

Notes

1.) Campbell said he feels awful for Zylstra, who suffered his injury on a play that the coach called "preventable."

"You saw what he was able to do for us," the coach stated. "He was a pivotal part of our success last year once we started turning the corner. He just does everything right man, he works, he's a grinder."

2.) Two new tight ends will be in uniform for the Lions at Wednesday's practice in an effort to fill the void left by the injured Zylstra.